FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
may be in use. The enemy can easily isolate
subordinate units.
• Civilians and fire hazards may be present.
ESTABLISH AND OPERATE AN OBSERVATION
POST/LISTENING POST
4-76. OPs/LPs are selected locations from which to look
and listen for enemy activity within an assigned area of
observation. The OPs/LPs, the primary means of
maintaining surveillance of an assigned avenue or a
named area of interest (NAI), are positions from which
MP observe the enemy and direct and adjust indirect
fires against him. From the OPs/LPs, MP send SALUTE
reports (Figure 4-4, page 4-36) to the commander when
observing enemy activity. Use OPs/LPs for the following:
• On key terrain when the surveillance of a
specific area is required.
• To prevent the enemy from a surprise attack on
other friendly forces.
• As an early warning security measure in a
defensive perimeter.
• For the monitoring of likely enemy avenues of
approach, drop zones (DZ), and landing zones
(LZ).
4-77. OPs/LPs can be performed either mounted or
dismounted. A dismounted OP provides maximum
stealth and has the greatest likelihood of remaining
undetected by the enemy. The disadvantage of the
dismounted OP is the time it takes to remount and move
if necessary. If rapid movement or displacement is
anticipated, the OP mounts or remains mounted.
4-78. A mounted OP/LP offers the advantages of rapid
movement and protection because the enemy can easily
detect them; however, it is potentially much less
effective than a dismounted OP/LP.
Combat Operations 4-35